PAIR Distinguished Lecture: Prof. ZHU Meifang of Donghua University delivers “Multifunctional Structural Fiber Materials for Diverse Applications”
PAIR Distinguished Lecture Series
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Date
28 Jul 2026
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Organiser
PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
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Time
10:30 - 12:00
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Venue
Senate Room (M1603), 16/F, Li Ka Shing Tower, PolyU (Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis) Map
Speaker
Prof. ZHU Meifang
Enquiry
PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research info.pair@polyu.edu.hk
Summary
Abstract
Multifunctional Structural fiber materials combine outstanding mechanical performance with advanced functionalities such as sensing, electrical conductivity, thermal management, information interaction, and environmental responsiveness, thereby overcoming the conventional separation between structural and functional materials. They have emerged as key enabling materials for advanced manufacturing, strategic emerging industries, and intelligent systems. This presentation will introduce recent advances in the design, fabrication, and functional integration of structure–function integrated fiber materials, with a particular focus on high-performance polymer fibers, smart functional fibers, and flexible fiber-based systems. Representative achievements of our research team in fiber structural regulation, multifunctional integration, and scalable manufacturing will be highlighted, together with their applications in aerospace, protective equipment, wearable electronics, green energy, biomedicine, and intelligent robotics. Particular attention will be given to intelligent fiber technologies featuring integrated sensing, information interaction, and environmental adaptability, demonstrating the critical role of structure–function synergy in developing intelligent and sustainable fiber material systems. Finally, the presentation will discuss the opportunities, key challenges, and future prospects of multifunctional structural fiber materials for diverse applications.
Prof. ZHU Meifang
Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences
Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences
Distinguished Professor and Dean
College of Materials Science and Engineering
Director of State Key Laboratory of Advanced Fiber Materials
Donghua University
Prof. Meifang Zhu is an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and a Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). She is a Distinguished Professor and the Director of the State Key Laboratory of Advanced Fiber Materials at Donghua University, where her research spans the fundamental science and advanced applications of fiber materials, organic–inorganic hybrid materials, and hydrogel materials. She has served as the Principal Investigator for more than 40 national and major research projects.
Prof. Zhu has authored over 500 peer-reviewed journal publications, contributed to 10 books and book chapters, and holds more than 300 granted Chinese invention patents. Her achievements have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Second Prize of the National Technological Invention Award, the Second Prize of the National Science and Technology Progress Award, the National Innovation Competition Award, the Second Prize of the National Teaching Achievement Award, the First Prize of the Shanghai Teaching Achievement Award, and the First Prize of the Shanghai Natural Science Award.
She currently serves as Vice President of the Chinese Materials Research Society (C-MRS) and the Chinese Association of Women Scientific Workers, and is the President of the Shanghai Science Popularization Education Development Foundation and the Editor-in-Chief of Advanced Fiber Materials.
Personal Website: https://pilab.dhu.edu.cn/mtg/en/list.htm
